England call up surprise choice to replace Tino Livramento in World Cup squad | OneFootball

Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to replace the injured Tino Livramento in England’s World Cup squad.

Livramento’s injury is an early blow for Thomas Tuchel’s preparations for the tournament, coming just one day before the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia in Dallas on Wednesday.

Tuchel was able to replace Newcastle full-back Livramento in the squad with a deadline of 9pm (BST) on Tuesday – 24 hours before England’s first game of the tournament – and Chelsea defender Chalobah is on his way to the United States.

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Trevoh Chalobah has been called up to England’s World Cup squad (Getty)

Chalobah will not be involved against Croatia, but will be available for subsequent group matches against Ghana and Panama.

“Trevoh Chalobah has been called into England’s 26-player squad at Fifa World Cup 2026 after injury sadly forced the withdrawal of Tino Livramento, the FA said in a statement.

“Arrangements are now being made for the Chelsea defender to make the journey to the team’s basecamp in Kansas City, while the rest of the squad will head to Dallas, Texas for the Three Lions’ opening group fixture against Croatia on Wednesday.

“Fifa regulations allow participating teams to replace an outfield player up to 24 hours before their opening fixture.

“Newcastle United defender Livramento picked up a calf injury in training on Sunday afternoon. A subsequent scan and medical assessment on Monday unfortunately confirmed he could play no further part in England’s tournament.”

Livramento, 23, who can play at right back or left back, was seen as a back-up option for Reece James and Nico O’Reilly, who are set to start against Croatia.

Nonetheless, losing Livramento’s versatility ahead of the biggest World Cup ever will be tough for Tuchel to take. Other options at wing back already in the squad include Jarrell Quansah, Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence. Centre back Dan Burn can also fill in at left back.

As for who has taken Livramento’s place in the 26-man squad, Chalobah has been called up over Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has not made a Tuchel squad since last summer.

Fifa regulations state that a player can be replaced in the 26-man squad up to 24 hours before that side’s first game of the tournament, but only from the 55-man “provisional” list submitted before the tournament.

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Tino Livramento has been ruled out of the World Cup (Getty)

Chalobah, who played under Tuchel at Chelsea, only has one England cap to his name after making his debut in a defeat to Senegal last June.

The 26-year-old made 34 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season, amid a disappointing campaign for the Blues who finished 10th in the Premier League table.

For Livramento, it is a hammer blow. The World Cup was his first major tournament call-up and the defender has five caps to his name. He also came on in England’s warm-up win against New Zealand 10 days ago.

England’s first game is against Croatia, who they lost to in the 2018 semi-finals, in Dallas on Wednesday at 9pm BST.